ABMEN WV BRIDGE PROJECT MAY 2016

The terrain of West Virginia includes many small valleys with steep hills on both sides. There is normally a creek along one side of the road with homes on the other side of the road. Access to those homes is usually by way of small bridges constructed by the home owners. Heavy rainstorms cause the creeks to overflow, which causes the high fast moving water to occasionally push the bridges off their foundations and destroys the homeowners access to their homes. Some homeowners have insurance to replace their bridges, but many do not. And some of those who do not have insurance, are elderly and do not have the funds nor family members who can help restore access to their homes. Government resources are not normally permitted to be used for these types of bridges. Consequently, some people are forced to move from their homes for long periods of time until their bridges are repaired or replaced.

An organization in WV called “VOAD”, Volunteer Organizations Assisting in Disasters, has established a list of nearly 300 homes needing private bridges repaired or replaced. American Baptist Men of WV of the ABMen-USA is associated with the North American Baptist Fellowship, NABF. ABMen of WV have partnered with the Mennonites Disaster Service and VOAD to provide funds and labor to replace many of these bridges.

The members of the Mennonites Disaster Service and men of the ABMen of WV completed such a bridge for two elderly ladies in Boone County, WV on May 20, 2016. The bridge met all government specifications for location, performance and safety. The ladies were very appreciative of the volunteers’ efforts, shedding tears of joy at the prayer of dedication at the end of the project. More bridges will be built soon.